Steve Young has been releasing electronic music as Scarper for the better part of a decade, mostly under his own label, Plexus Records. His 2017 debut LP, Warmer Squares, established him as one to take note of, getting nods from the likes of DJ Food and Laurent Garnier, and rave reviews from Mixmag, DJ Mag, and more. Equally influenced by breakbeat rave and golden era IDM, one might list Lone as an aesthetic comparison, the two sharing a penchant for neon-hued melodies and gleeful yet cohesive genre-hopping.
Scarper returns August 16 with E-Funk / Rhodopsin, the first in a series of dancefloor-ready 12″s. “E-Funk” is an impressive display of Young’s masterful versatility, its deft rhythmic complexity and ecstatic synth melodies making it a tune every DJ should want in their arsenal. Stream the track and read our Q&A with Scarper below.
Steve Young
Current city / place of residence:
As above. Keeping it real in Brommers 😉
Home away from home:
Southern Spain (I have family there).
What have you been listening to this week? Have you bought any physical media in record stores, on Bandcamp etc?
> I bought Moodymann’s ‘DJ-Kicks’ comp last week, which is great summer listening. Really soulful.
I actually bought that recently as well! Speaking of summer, I think we’re all craving some live music these days. I was all set to go to Movement Detroit before the pandemic hit. Since it’s all we have right now, what are some of your fondest memories of DJing and clubbing?
My fondest memory of clubbing in recent years was probably attending the ‘BLOC’ weekenders. I saw some incredible acts & lifelong heroes at those events.. Aphex, Modeselektor, Autechre, Luke Vibert, DJ Pierre, Carl Craig, Four Tet.
Without doubt my fondest memory DJing was at the Soundwave Festival Croatia. I played at the beach-side stage at about 4pm, which was perfect for me because it meant I could get smashed with my mates for the rest of the evening 😀
Unfortunately not. It’s a huge shame because it really was made with one aim in mind… to be played on a fat system!
How has CoVid affected you personally as an artist? Whether that’s cancelled shows, other travel plans, your mental state, your workflow, whatever comes to mind.
In a way it has been positive for me. If you’re locked down in your house for a few months… what an excuse to do nothing but make music!
Any plans for a followup LP to Warmer Squares?
I do plan to begin work on a follow up when this 2-track series is done. I’m really proud of Warmer Squares, but I’m keen to do something different. I reckon the next big project I do will involve vocal collaborations in some capacity.
What else do you and your label Plexus Records have coming up?
I did want to get our night ‘BLIP’ up & running again, but this bloody virus situation has somewhat scuppered that! Maybe i’ll look to do some mixes & podcasts to get out there.
slowbreathingcircuit.com 